Shingles is an itchy and painful infection. So when the Newfoundland and Labrador government made the vaccine free for those over the age of 50, tens of thousands of people flocked to get jabbed. The CBC’s John Gaudi crunches the numbers to bring us an update on the fight against shingles, and the payoff.

Getting around in rural N.L. is tough without your own vehicle and public transit is rare. But that's changing, as community leaders see transportation as a way to improve the well-being of residents. On this episode, we hear from three rural areas that are expanding or establishing public transit systems.

After eight weeks, the verdict is in: Dean Penney is guilty of the murder of his estranged wife, Jennifer Hillier-Penney. In this episode, the CBC's Colleen Connors breaks down everything that led to this moment - from the key witnesses and evidence, to the defence’s strategy, and the undercover police investigation that spanned years and ultimately led to his confession.

Read more:

Dean Penney found guilty of first-degree murder

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/dean-penney-verdict-9.7206875

Premier Tony Wakeham has sent the province's energy plans back for a makeover. He says the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding negotiated by the previous Liberal government is “deeply flawed.” In this episode, we break down the key findings from the committee that reviewed the MOU, and look at where this multi-billion-dollar negotiation currently stands.

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Churchill Falls MOU ‘not in the public interest’ says review committee

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/churchill-falls-mou-review-9.7203136

Reaction pours in after the MOU review — is a deal still possible?

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7205735

Homebuilding in Newfoundland and Labrador hasn’t kept up with demand. On this week’s podcast we talk about the reality of housing and homelessness in the province, the people working to make a difference and what it will take to fix things.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the number of babies born exposed to substances is on the rise — nearly 60 a year. In this episode, producer Caroline Hillier introduces you to their mothers and a pediatrician offering solutions for a system that is struggling.

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More babies are born exposed to substances in N.L. as system struggles to keep up, says pediatrician

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/babies-exposed-drugs-atlantic-voice-9.7166906

Finance Minister Craig Pardy delivered the Progressive Conservative government’s first budget. It focuses on affordability and spending pledges, but also flags billion-dollar-plus deficits in the years to come. On this podcast, we drill into the numbers, hear reactions and get a first glimpse at what it may mean to you and yours.

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The Tories say the budget boosts your financial bottom line — here's how

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nl-pc-budget-pocketbook-9.7181532

N.L. budget focuses on affordability and spending pledges, flags ongoing fiscal woes

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/n-l-budget-focuses-on-affordability-and-spending-pledges-flags-ongoing-fiscal-woes-9.7180179

'Great day for justice': Minister trumpets investments in new police, judges and court staff

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/pc-budget-justice-public-safety-9.7181831

Labrador singer-songwriter David Hart is speaking out for the first time about abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a teacher. In this episode, he speaks with the CBC’s Carolyn Stokes about growing up in Sheshatshiu, Labrador, carrying this secret for decades and finally, knowing he’s not alone, breaking the silence.

Read more:

‘We have to get this out’: Why Innu musician David Hart is telling his story of abuse and survival

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/innu-musician-david-hart-abuse-survival-9.7154914